On July 30, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Italian Embassy, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe signed an agreement to implement two cross-border projects between the two countries.
The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the FAO Representative in Mozambique, José Fernández, the Deputy Director of AICS-Maputo, Maria Cristina Pescante, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Land and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
The Integrated Transboundary Sustainable Management of Miombo Forests project aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of the Miombo forests shared by Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This vital ecosystem supports millions of people in rural areas by providing essential resources such as firewood, food, and water. The project will focus on sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and improving natural resource management practices within communities. The initiative will directly benefit 5,000 families in selected areas, promoting gender equality and youth participation.
The Agricultural Value Chain Development and Trade between Zim-Moza (ATDP Zim-Moza) project is designed to strengthen agricultural value chains and trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. By improving market access, developing production practices, and promoting cross-border collaboration, the project aims to boost the economic prospects of smallholder farmers and agro-industries. Key focus areas include citrus fruits, pineapples, bananas, coffee, macadamia nuts, maize, and various vegetables. The initiative will address trade barriers, support value addition, and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural products in local and international markets.
In his signing speech, the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, emphasized that “these projects, as the name indicates, are cross-border, involving multiple countries, because challenges such as biodiversity conservation or the El Niño phenomenon are problems that a single country cannot solve alone.” He added, “these initiatives will strengthen regional integration, and this is the path we must take together to address common challenges, from agriculture to food security.”
These two initiatives are aligned with AICS’s efforts to develop the Beira Corridor, adding to the 8 other initiatives already funded by AICS in the region, which aim to strengthen food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and encourage youth and women’s entrepreneurship.